Creative Placemaking, Shaping Spaces and Communities. Our panel will explore the role of the creative sector in the regeneration of city centres.

Creative industries are playing a pivotal role in revitalizing communities and reshaping urban landscapes. Fostering innovation, art, and economic growth, the creative sector has emerged as a powerful driver of regeneration.

This panel discussion will look at the role of the creative sector in the regeneration of city centres. The change in peoples shopping habits and ‘work from home’ trends have changed how people visit and use local centres.

Does this pose an opportunity for creative industries? We will explore some ideas and examples of how art, culture and creative businesses can be the catalyst for drawing people into our city centre. What impact does this industry have on building community and economic growth. From transforming neglected spaces to fostering vibrant communities, artists, designers, and innovators have the power to reimagine and revitalize our towns and cities.

Our panel all have experience of how their work has had an impact on the local area by creating interest and reason for people to visit. They all play their part in developing their local creative scene. They will share their stories and discuss this interesting topic for our next Live Work Create evening.

Are creative people and businesses the answer to get people back into our centres?

What do we need in our centres to attract people to come?

How can empty spaces be used?

What role does local community play in this topic?

We will look at great examples of where creativity is bringing life to places around us.

Join us to explore how creativity can shape the future of urban spaces, inspire sustainable growth, and turn challenges into possibilities.

Meet Our Panel:

Sarah Clarke-Lees - Founder of That Alternative Studio & That Alternative HQ

Sarah is the founder of That Alternative Studio and That Alternative HQ in Blackpool. They are creative spaces for content creation, photography, videography, Hot-desking, co-working, workshops, podcast creation, meeting rooms and all out creative vibes!! Sarah is passionate about supporting a community of creative people and changing the landscape by founding a space where people can create and connect

Alex O'Toole - Chair of Arts Lancashire & Founder of The Good Creator

Alex is a Strategic Planner, Creative Director, Producer, Writer and Facilitator, with over twenty years of experience working across creative and cultural industries in UK and international markets.

Alex is currently the Chair of Arts Lancashire, the strategic voice for the county’s independent arts and culture sector; a sector of 1,255 experienced arts professionals across 255 businesses, including eighteen National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs), two Creative People and Places Projects (CPPs), a Regional Music Hub, a Rural Touring Network, and thousands of freelance artists and producers.

Iain Williams - Abstract Artist and Harris Advisory Board Member

Iain is an abstract artist, based in Lancashire. He is also on the advisory board for the Harris Iain’s work has featured in local venues such as Artistry House, Preston, Prism Contemporary, Blackburn and Manchester Contemporary. Iain was also involved in the Turning Point exhibition that used vacant space in the centre of Preston to show case local artists.

About Live Work Create

Live Work Create is a regular event series hosted by Society1. Each carefully crafted event features a panel discussion around an interesting topic, with our panel participants sharing their thoughts and experiences, to inspire further thought and conversation.

The evening will start at 6pm. Refreshments will be provided and there will be an opportunity to meet and chat with other attendees before the panel discussion.

Getting there:

Society1 is located on Cross Street, just off Winckley Square (PR1 3LT). It is easily accessible by bus and train.

If you need to drive, public parking is available at Fishergate Shopping Centre or Avenham Public Car Park. The Avenham multi storey car park closes at 8pm, so as this event runs later we advise that you park in the open air carpark opposite the multi storey or on the streets around us.

Note: These events might be photographed and this content will be used in future marketing for Society1.

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